The Fireworks Galaxy & NGC 6939: A Dazzling Celestial Duo Captured from Portugal
Astrophotography often involves battling light pollution and other environmental challenges to bring the wonders of the cosmos down to Earth. In this stunning capture, u/pauloremigio showcases the breathtaking beauty of the Fireworks Galaxy (NGC 6946) and the NGC 6939 open cluster, a testament to dedication and skillful processing.
The Challenge of Bortle 8/9 Skies
This remarkable image was taken from a Bortle 8/9 location, just 10km from downtown Lisbon, Portugal. These skies are heavily affected by light pollution, making the capture of faint deep-sky objects a significant undertaking. Despite these conditions, a total integration time of 75 subs at 180 seconds each was achieved, demonstrating perseverance in gathering enough light.
The Gear Behind the Glory
The success of this shot is also attributed to the impressive equipment used:
- Telescope: TS Optics 8” F5 Newtonian (1000mm focal length)
- Camera: ZWO ASI2600MC AIR
- Mount: ZWO AM5n
- Tripod/Pier: Skytracker 1.75" steel tripod with ZWO 160mm pier extension
- Other Considerations: Captured during a full moon, a common challenge for astrophotographers.
Processing Prowess
The raw data was expertly stacked and processed using PixInsight, a powerful software suite favored by many astrophotographers for its advanced tools. Further enhancements and cropping were performed in Pixelmator Pro, bringing out the intricate details and vibrant colors of these celestial targets.
A Celestial Treasure
The Fireworks Galaxy, officially known as NGC 6946, is a spiral galaxy situated on the border of the constellations Cepheus and Cassiopeia. It's renowned for its numerous supernovae observed throughout history. Alongside it, the NGC 6939 open cluster presents a beautiful collection of stars, adding another layer of visual interest to this already captivating scene.
This image serves as a fantastic example of what can be achieved with the right equipment and dedicated processing, even under challenging skies. It's a true "two-fer," offering a glimpse of both a galaxy and a star cluster in a single, magnificent frame.
